When James and John the sons of Zebedee asked Jesus for a favor, they did not truly understand what they were asking. (Mark 10:35) They wanted to be seated on each side of Jesus and have great honor. Jesus let them know that in His kingdom the standards were much different that the standards of the world. “And Jesus called them to him and said to them, ‘You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” (Mark 10:42-45 ESV) This lesson of being humble and not desiring the praise of men is repeated many times throughout the Holy Scripture so it must be important to our Heavenly Father. “For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.” (Psalm 149:4 ESV)

Today’s reading: Matthew 19; Mark 10